Van Laven Chronicles (12 page)

“What about your father and your people?” she added, “How thrilled will they be to discover their future Duke has been cavorting with Bastionli?”

He gathered her into his arms. “Great discretion will be required on our part, but we will be together…always.”

CHAPTER 21

Convinced that Comron was steadily making his way toward the coast, Crausin decided to relocate the majority of his search party to Paitu Beach, the spot where Comron would likely show up.

Growing anxious to see the search come to a close and to greet Comron in person, he joined the team on the surface of Patheis there at Paitu Beach.

Tall palm trees dotted the shoreline, their branches swaying lazily in the early evening breeze. The twin moons shone brightly even as a patch of heavy clouds moved steadily westward across the darkened sky.

As Duke Crausin stood on the silvery shores reflecting on the past few days, he absently felt for the chain upon which the oath medallion hung. He pulled it out from beneath his shirt. For eleven years, it had remained around his neck and would remain so for all of his days.

Even though his dearest companion would marry in four weeks, it posed no threat to their oath. Lady Spira Eskridge would be nothing more than a lovely face on his arm and the bearer of Comron’s children. She would be a thing tolerated for the sake of betrothal contract, but Comron would never love her. Crausin had made certain of that by turning Spira into his own ravenous little whore while compelling Comron to look on as he defiled her.

Stupid girl thinks I’m in love with her!

It was a necessary arrangement, for much to Crausin’s dismay, Comron occasionally exhibited a resentful attitude toward the constraints of their oath. As astute as he was, Comron failed to appreciate that the oath served as a protective hedge about him, preventing him from suffering emotionally the way Crausin had. The Duke, for his part, had no difficulty honoring their oath for his experience with Meglyn had left him numb and desolate, incapable of feeling a thing in that regard. Only she could have revived such romantic passions in him again, but Meglyn was ruined now, gone. He and Comron had personally seen to that years ago…

“Comron.” He broadcast his thoughts, spreading them out like a net over the sea. “I’m here waiting for you. What in the blazes is keeping you?”

CHAPTER 22

Vaush endeavored to make sense of all that had transpired in the last few hours. The fear, the anger, the surrender and the ecstasy. Had she not just made passionate love to the Crown Prince of Nethic? Had he not just declared his love and devotion for her and insist that they continue their relationship beyond Patheis?

It was sheer madness!

Yet she craved Comron desperately and knew she’d do anything, even risk the wrath of her father to be with him. Their feelings were so raw and intense in the moment, but how would they feel about each other in the sober light of day when they returned home to their respective worlds? Would their fire still burn as brightly? Would the ever-present fear of being discovered eventually overpower their desire to see each other?

As if sensing her turmoil, Comron held her tight and said, “We have no choice, my love. The path has been laid before us and I will not let you turn aside from it, or from me.”

She wished she shared his resolve and confidence. She found it astounding that a man like Comron could be so swept away by love. He knew full well the dire repercussions of this decision, yet he remained steadfast, ready to risk it all to be with her.

As they lay there in silent contemplation, he shifted his position so that their bodies were flush against each other. The gesture was intended to be one of comfort as he gently caressed her. As she snuggled into him, his confidence began to permeate her thoughts, as slowly, she began to believe that they could have a future. She had no doubt that she could spend forever here, entangled in his body, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

Her fingers traced his jawline, she felt the chain around his neck and looked at the medallion hanging from it. She turned it over and examined it. The elegance balanced by the strong masculine look of it intrigued her.

“It’s beautiful,” she said, still holding it. “Is it a family heirloom?”

“No.”

“Can I attribute it to your taste, or was it a gift?” A token from Lady Spira she wondered.

“It was a gift.”

“Oh, from whom?”

Reluctantly, he replied. “From Crausin.”

“Ah,” she said with a sigh of relief. “Well, your father has exquisite taste. Does it have—”

He pressed his lips to hers, giving her the distinct impression that she was being silenced. But it didn’t really matter as she became preoccupied with the business of returning his kisses and enjoying the urgency of his caress. Her own breathing grew heavier and her hunger for him eclipsed all reason.

She let herself drown in the euphoria of his embrace, the taste and feel of him driving her wild. How could she ever do without him? How could any woman surrender him after having been with him? That’s when she remembered.

Spira! Comron was due to marry her in four weeks. The thought hit her like an ice cold shower.

“Comron.” Vaush disentangled herself from him, sat up and pulled her shirt closed around her breast. “You’re to be married shortly.”

He felt the anchor of the betrothal weighing him down when he wanted nothing more than to soar freely with Vaush. “Yes, but you know I don’t love her. I swear, she’ll never share my bed.”

“But Spira will still be your wife!” Angry tears sprang to her eyes.

He sat up alarmed at her emotion. “In name only. You will be my true wife, the woman my heart belongs to and with whom I’ll spend my nights.” He stroked her arm, but Vaush shrugged it off.

“I won’t share you with another woman and play the mistress whore!” she said in fiery indignation.

“Vaush, you know that I have no control over the matter,” Comron argued. “My Duke has ordered this marriage. None of it has anything to do with us.”

“Really?” She flashed a rapier smile. “Then I’ll take a husband in name only and keep you on the side as lover.”

He grabbed her firmly by the arms. “You will do no such thing! You are mine alone.”

“Then you must be mine alone or you will be nothing to me!” Vaush leveled him with a steely glare that cut right through him. “I am no man’s whore, Comron. Not even yours.”

He could feel her pulling away, erecting a wall that would stand between them forever if he didn’t tear it down. They were at the hangar bay and Vaush was waiting for him to turn around…to make the bold gesture to save them.

“Why is it so easy for you to speak of walking away when the mere thought of it is shattering my mind?”

“Easy? Your wedding day will be like boiling acid in my veins.” Tears spilled from her eyes. “But even if it kills me, I’ll never see you again once you are married.”

The sense of panic that coursed through Comron left him with no other choice.

“Now you listen to me. This love we share is more precious to me than anything I’ve ever known.” He took a deep breath and stared earnestly into her hazel eyes. “For this reason…I will defy my Duke and end my betrothal as soon as I return to Nethic.”

Vaush was clearly shocked by his declaration and was a moment in finding her words. “Is...is that even possible?”

“The legalities are complicated and monetary penalties prohibitive, and more importantly, we’ll lose the Eskridge depository holdings.” His brow lowered at the prospect. “But there are alternatives to the Eskridge assets. It can all be sorted with a bit of cunning and swift work.” He wouldn’t dwell on Crausin’s response, lest he lose his resolve.

Vaush lowered her eyes. “I’m asking too much of you, aren’t I?”

The corner of his mouth tugged to the side as he considered the demands he would make of her in return. “Yes, but it’s no more than I will be asking of you.”

She cuddled next to him, more demure and pliant after having won that battle. “I’m sorry to make such demands of you. But I won’t compromise or defile another’s marriage, whether it be real or in name only. Besides, the thought of another woman having a legal claim to you makes me see red.” She scowled and curled her fingers like claws. “I already want to rip Spira to shreds.”

He chuckled softly and stroked her hair.

“Vaush, is there anyone that you’ll need to break off with when you return home?”

“No one of consequence. My work has kept me so busy of late I’ve had no social life to speak of since Grantham.”

“Good, then there will be no rivals for me to kill off.”

She laughed. “No, that won’t be necessary. As if anyone could rival the formidable Prince Comron Van Laven.”

He propped himself up on an elbow and gazed down at her. “I love the way you say my name…especially when I’m inside of you.”

Something below spasmed within her in anticipation and trepidation. His needs had been so demanding and relentless the first time.

His hand slid down her back, coming to rest on her bare bottom. His gentle kisses now grew more insistent, prodding her to part her mouth to his. As his tongue slipped in, he moaned with pleasure anew. Already she felt his flaccid member growing stiff with the imminent prospect of more lovemaking. Her body tensed in response.

Comron relented and deftly maneuvered her on top, allowing her to set the pace this round.

He looked so stunningly handsome laying beneath her, staring up, so eager for her. She ran her hands slowly over his muscular shoulders and chest. “You have the body of a Mythran god,” she said admiringly.

“Thank you,” he replied in husky voice as his hands stroked her thighs straddling his waist. She could feel the heat from his shaft behind her against her bare cheeks. She knew he was dying to lift her onto it. But she couldn’t resist making him wait for it. She grinned at him, then leaned down to kiss the tip of his nose, then his lips. His hips rose, while he nudged her hips backward.

“Not yet,” she whispered, ignoring the lustful pleading in his avid green eyes.

His expression became tortured. “Please, my love,” he moaned, squeezing her buttocks firmly as he ground his hips against hers. A gasp escaped her at the anticipation of the pleasure his body would soon bring her. She allowed him to pull her down, taking a breast into his mouth. Hearing her own throaty moan, she knew it would only be seconds before she gave in.

His breath was hot in her ears. “Don’t you want me inside you?”

Dizzy at the mere thought of it, she exhaled, “Yessss.” She lifted her hips and pulled his shaft forward. She slowly slid down the length of it, letting it fill her. They both moaned with deep satisfaction.

He gripped her hips firmly and undulated his body rhythmically beneath hers. “Mmm, you’re so hot inside, angel.”

She arched her back, his hands slid up to her breasts and squeezed them hard as she rode him, hips rocking back and forth, rising and falling in slow controlled motions.

She wanted to memorize the glorious expression on his face. He was sublime with teeth gritted and muscles taught in his struggle to maintain control. She grinned and quickened her strokes, steadily driving him toward the edge, toward release.

As if determined to see her surrender first, he kneaded her nipples between his fingers tips. She sucked in a sharp breath. “Oh…damn.” It would be a close finish again, she thought, clenching and releasing her inner muscles with each measured stroke. His moans grew louder, letting her know unmistakably that she was driving him out of his mind.

She continued stroking away for all she was worth.

Suddenly, his undulating body went still beneath her. Triumphantly, she awaited the pulsation of his release. But that never came.

“Oh, shite!” Comron exclaimed, abruptly lifting Vaush off of him.

“What’s wrong?”

He pointed skyward. “Your father’s here.”

“What?” she said completely bewildered, looking up just in time to see the burst of light against the dark sky. The bright colors formed the Bastionli family crest. Fear chased away any remnants of desire. “Frithe’s gate!” she exclaimed, instinctively grabbing her shirt to cover herself.

“We must be closer to the coast than I thought,” Comron said, scrambling to pull his pants back up. “Crausin is likely there as well.”

“What if they’ve sent scouts out here to look for us?” Vaush looked around anxiously as she fastened her brassiere. “Comron, if my father’s men find you…”

“I know how to take care of myself.” He slung his satchel over his shoulder and drew his firearm. “Please hurry, love. We can’t risk them moving off without us.”